Switch operating mechanism



June 26, 1945.y T. M. COLE 2,379,130

SW1 TCH OPERATING MECHANIS-M Buvcntox' THOMAS M COLE June 26, 1945. T, M CQLE SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed May 7, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 THU/105 M. CQLE June 26, 1945.

T.l M. COLE SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed May 7, 194,;l

5 Sheets- Sheet C5 Suventor THoMns' M. COLE (ttorneg June 26, 1945.

T. M. COLE 2,379,130

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed May 7, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Gttorncg June 26, 1945. T, M COLE 2,379,130

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANI SM l Filed May 7, 1945 5 sheets-sheet 5 Ab'- \\\\\\\\\\\\\w\\\\n THOMJ M. (01.6

Ctorneg maentor Patented June 26, 1945 SWITCH OPERATING MEonANIsM Thomas M. Cole, New York, N. Y., assignor to Federal Electric Products Company, Inc., Newark, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application May 7, 1943, Serial No. 486,001

20 Claims.

This invention relates to double-throw electric switches and more particularly to a switch operating mechanism for a double-throw electric switch.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved quick-make and quick-break `switch-operating mechanism for a double-throw switch in which the movable contact member is movable toa neutral or open circuit position.

This object of the invention and other objects ancillary thereto will best be understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front view, in elevation, of a switch provided with switch operating mechanism embodying the present invention, parts of the casing being broken away for the purpose of illustration; V

Fig. 2 is a side view of the switch;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective View of certain parts of the operating mechanism and a portion of the switch casing;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view, on a larger scale on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a sectional View on the line 'I-'I of Fig. 1, showing the neutral position of the switch operating mechanism;

Figs. 8 and 9 are views similar to Fig. 7 showing the positions of the operating mechanism when the movable contact member of the switch is in the two different closed positions thereof, respectively.

Fig. 10 is a view taken on the line IIJ-I0 of Fig. '7, the spring of the spring projected rod being omitted;

Fig. 11 is a side edge view of a part of the mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the double-throw switch I0 provided with a switch operating mechanism embodying the present invention comprises, as here shown, a casing I2 provided with a hinged cover I4 held in closed position by the releasable latches I 6. The switch unit I8 which is mounted within casing I2 comprises an insulation base secured to the casing wall 22 in any suitable way as by screws 24. As the switch, as illustrated, is a double-throw switch and has two poles, said switch comprises stationary contact members 26 and stationary contact members 28 provided with terminal mem- 55 bers here shown as fuse clips 30 and 32, said stationary contact members and fuse clips being secured to insulation base 20. The line terminals also here shown as fuse clips 34 and 36 are secured to base 20 for receiving the ends of the fuses (not shown), the opposite ends of which are received in -fuse clips 30 and 32, respectively, of the two poles. Terminal members 38 and 40 are secured to fuse clips 34 and 36, respectively, in electrical connection therewith. A movable contact member 42, foreach pole, is pivotally secured to a metal lug 44 (Fig. 6) by a pivot pin 46 for oscillatory movement of said movable contact member to and from a neutral position for engagement with and disengagement from said stationary contact members. More particularly, as here shown, each movable contact member 42 comprises two blades 48 and 50, in integral relation, for engagement with theA companion stationary contact members 26 and 28, respectively. In Fig. 6, the movable contact member is shown in full lines in its neutral position, and in dotted lines in engagement with the contact member 28. Lug 44 is secured to base 20 and is provided with a terminal 52 `for the connection thereto of the incoming end of the line. As shown, the stationary contact members 26 and 28 are positioned in companion arcing chutes 54.'

The movable contact members 42 are actuated by a crank member 56 which forms a part of the switch operating mechanism as hereinafter more fully described. Said crank member 56 comprises the crank portion 58, the aligned pivot portions and 62 and the crank arms 64 and 66. The, movable contact members 42 are operatively connected to crank portion 58 of crank member 56 by companion insulation members 68 secured to the blades48 and 50 of the companion movable contact member and provided with a recessed portion 'I0 which engages the grooved insulation collars I2 mounted on crank portion 58 of crank member 56. While the switch unit as hereinbefore described is preferred and is illustrated in order to show a complete switch, it will be understood that the switch operating mechanism of the present invention is not limited in its application to a double-throw switch unit of this particular construction, but may be used with other` switch units.

The switch operating mechanism for operating the switch through the crank member 56 will now be described:

^ The aligned pivot portions 6I] and 62 of crank member 56 are journalledA for pivotal movement in the casing wall 14 and in the bearing or mounting member 16, respectively, (Figs. 3 and 6).`

Said bearing member 16 comprises a part 18 which is provided with a cylindrical recessm, in which end portion 62 of said crank is journalled for oscillation, and an integral stem 82 having a smooth cylindrical portion 84 and a screw threaded portion 66. `Said stem projects through a circular opening`86in` the adjacent casing wall 90. Members 92, 94 an'd 96 (Fig. 4) are mounted for pivotal movement on stem portion 84 and as more clearly shown in Fig. 5 are positioned be tween the inner surface of casing wall 90 and the confronting surface 96 of part 18 of mounting member 16, said members 92, 94 and 96 beingY provided with bearing openings |00, |02 and |04, respectively. A control member |06, here shown as an operating handle, has a flat hub portion |00 which is mounted for turning movement on cylindrical portion 64 of stem 62, being pro`' vided for that purpose with a bearing opening H0; Control member |06 is positioned externally of the casing with the hub portion |08 tl'iereofA The construction and inter-relationship of members 92, 94, 96 and- |06 will now be further described. Member 92 has an axial `lug I I6 which extends into the recesses I8 andv |20 of members 94 and 96, respectively. The circumferential extentof each ofsaid recesses is greater than lug ||6. Said member 92 is also provided withlcivrcumierentially spaced axial lugs |22 and- |24 1ocated at oppositesides, respectively, of crank arm 66 of crank member 56, in position-to engage the latter at opposite sides thereof. In the neutral position of the crank member 56, saidlugs are spaced from crank arm 56 thus providing a lost motion connection between member 92 and crank member 56.` In the neutral position of the switch, crank member 56 is centered between lugsY 22 and |24 by tension springs |25 which-.are secured to casing wall 14 and to member |21 which engages crank arm64- of said crank member. Member 94 is provided with a lug |26 which projects through an arcuate slot |26 in member 96,\through an arcuate slot |30 in casing wall 90, and through an arcuate slot |32 in the hub portion4 |06 of control member I06, said lug |26being movable circumferentially of said slots. Member 96 has an axial lug |34 which projects through the arcuate slot |30 in casing wall 90 andthrough an arcuate slot |36 in the hub` portion |08 in control member |06, said lug |34 being movable circumferentially of said slots.

It will be observed that the arcuate slots |32 and |36 of control member |06 are circumfer-V entially spaced from each other (Figs. 2 and 4) and that the circumferential extent of each ofv said slots is greater than the circumferential extent of the companion lugs |26 and |34, respectively, thus providing a lost motion connection between said control member and each of said members 94 and 96. Members 94 and 96 are provided With radial ears |36 and |40, respectively, which are axially offset from the face of said members, respectively, by the integral axial I I4 areportions |42 and 44, respectively. As illustrated in Fig. 7, which shows the neutral position of the operating mechanism when the movable Contact member is in its neutral position out of contact with both stationary contact members 26 and 26, portions |42 and |44 of members 94 and 96, respectively, engage or are engaged by the adjacent side edges |46 and |46, respectively, of radial portion |50 of member 92. A spring projected rod |52 is pivotally connected at one end thereof to ear |38 of member 94 by a pivot pin |54, and a similar and symmetrically disposed spring projected rod |56 is pivotally connected to ear |40 of member 96 by a pivot pin |58. The opposite ends of rods |52 and |56 are each slidable in a bracket |60` secured to casing wall 90. As rods |52 and |56 and thev companion brackets |60 are of the same construction, and as the spring projected rods |52 and |56 are in symmetrical relation to member 92 in the neutral position of the operating mechanism, a description of the construction of operating rod |52 and the companion bracket |60 yalso applies to rod |56 and the companion bracket `for the latter. Thus, as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 10, rod |52 comprises two longitudinally extending parts |62 and |64 welded to each other in face to face relation and having spaced end portions |66 and |68,\respectively, whereby rod |52 is provided with a forked end |10 between which ear |38 of member 94 is received, said end portions I66'and |66 being provided with aligned apertures |12- for the'v pivot pin |54 which connects ear |36 to said rod. End portions I 66 and |66 are enlarged to form a shoulder |14 which is engaged by one end of a coiled compression spring |16. The other end of said spring bears against the laternal portion |16 of bracket |60, said lateral portion being provided with a slot |60 through which rod |52 is slidable. The lateral portion |18 of bracket |60 is provided at its upper edge with a lip |62 to prevent accidental disengagement of rod |52 from the bracket. It will be understood that the spring |84 of spring projected rod |56 is associated with saidrod and with the companion bracket in the same way as just described with reference to spring |16 of rod |52. Members 94 and 96 may be referred to as toggle members as they form toggles with the companion spring pressed rods |52 and |56, respectively.

In the neutral position of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 'Lthe edges of parts |42 and |44 of members 94 and 96, respectively, engage the adjacent side edges of member 92, thus maintaining the latter in its central or neutral position by reason of the equal opposing action of springs |16 and |64.

The operation of the switch operating mechanism for engaging movable contact member 42 with and disengaging the same from the companion stationary contact member 26 or the companion stationary contact member 26 takes place initially in response to the movement of control member |06 and is completed by the over-centering of spring projected rods |52 or 56, there being a lost motion connection between control member |06 and members 94 and 96 by reason of the slots |32 and |36 having a circumferentially greater extent than the companion lugs |26 and |34 of members 94 and 96, respectively. Thus, assuming that the movable contact member 42 s in its neutral position, and the switch operating mechanism is in the position illustrated in Fig. '7, when it is desired to engage the movable contact member with the companion stationary contact member 26,'control member |06 is moved upwardly (viewing Fig. 2) or in-a'counter-clockwise direction (viewing Fig. '1) When the control member is thus moved, lug |26 ofV member 94 is engaged by the right hand end of slot |32 (Fig. 2) and lug I 6 is engaged by one radial edge of recess I I8 so that members 94 and 92 are moved in unison in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 7, with compression of spring |16 of rod |52, until the toggle constituted by said rod and the companion toggle member 94 is overcentered, at which time spring projected rod |16 moves member 96 and member 92 in the same direction independently of control member |06, which independent movement is permitted by the above mentioned lost motion connection between said control member and lug |26 of member 94. The position of the parts at the end of this movement of members 92 and 94 initiated by control member |06 and 'completed by spring projected rod |52 is illustrated in Fig. 8. During this movementI lug |22 engages crank arm 66 of crank member 56 and thereby turns said crank member on its pivoted end portions 60 and 62 so that switch blade 48 is positively moved toward the companion stationary contact member 26 part of the total distance from the neutral position of the contact member 42 to the position in whih blade 48 engages the companion stationary contact member 26`and thereafter, upon the overcentering of the toggle, said blade 48 of the movable contact member snaps into engagement with said companion stationary contact member 26, thus effecting a quick make with said contact member.

When it is desired to disengage the blade 48 of movable contact member 42 from said stationary contact member 26,.control member |06 is moved in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 8, or in a counter-clockwise direction from the dotted line position of said handle illustrated in Fig. 2, whereby one edge of slot I 32 engages lug |26 of member 94, thereby causing pivotal movement of member 94 and subsequently pivotal movement of member 92 by reason of the engagement of one radial edge of recess ||8 of member 94 with lug I |6 of member 92, in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 8. During this movement, lug I 22 of member 92 engages crank arm 66 of crank member 56 and turns the latter on its aligned pivot portions 60 and 62, and also during this movement spring |16 is compressed until the toggle constituted by spring projected rod |52 and member 94 is overcentered, at which time spring projected rod |52 moves members 94 and 92 in the same direction independently of control member |06 thereby moving movable contact member 42 to the neutral position illustrated in Fig. '7. During this clockwise movement of control member |06 and the subsequent movement in the same direction of members 94 and 92 by spring projected rod |52, independently of the control member, in the same direction, the switch blade 48 is positively moved in a direction to disengage the companion stationary contact member 26, but does not disengage the latter until the toggle is overcentered, at which time contact blade 48 disengages the stationary contact member 26 with a snap action,.thus effecting a quick break for opening of the switch and movement of the movable contact member 42 with a snap action to its neutral position.

The operation of the switch operating mechanism for engaging blade 50 of the movable contact member 42 with the companion stationary contact member 28 comprises moving the control4 member |06 in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig-'7, whereby member 96 and subsequently member 92 are rotated in said direction positively by the control member until the toggle constituted by spring projected rod |56 and member 96 is overcentered, whereupon the movable contact member is moved with a snap action so that contactblade 50 is brought into rapid engagement with the companion stationary contact member 28 independently of control member |06, the switch operating mechanism being in the position illustrated in Fig. 9. When it is desired to move the movable contact member from the position illustrated in Fig. 9, in which contact blade 50 is in engagement with the companion stationary contact member 28, to its neutral position, the control member is moved in a counterclockwise direction, viewing Fig. 9, and the movable contact member is moved positively by the members 96 and,v 92 until the toggle constituted by spring projected rod |56 and member 96 is overcentered, after which the contact blade 50 is moved with a snap action out of engagement with the companion stationary contact member 28, independently of control member |06 to the neutral position of movable contact member 42, the position of the operating mechanism at that time being illustrated in Fig. 7.

It will be noted that the toggle including member 94 having its operation initiated by control member |06 and completed by spring projected rod |52 is effective to engage switch blade 48 with the companion stationary contact member 26 for effecting a quick make connection between the movable contact member and the companion stationary contact member 26, and that when the movable contact member is in engagement with the companion stationary contact' member 28, a similar movement of control member |06 results in the operation of the toggle constituted by member 96 and rod |56 for effecting the disengagement of the movable contact member with a quick break from the companion stationary contact member 28 and the movement of said movable contact member to its neutral position. Likewise, it will be observed `that when control member |86 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 2, movement of the movable contact member out of engagement with the companion stationary contact member 26 to a neutral position is effected by operation of the toggle which includes member 94, this operation being initiated by said movement of control member |06 and completed Eby the overcentering of this toggle. Similarly, it will be observed that the engagement of movable contact member 42 with the companion stationary contact member 28 is accomplished by the operation of the toggle, which includes member 96, which is initiated by the movement of control member |06 in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 2, and completed by the Yovercentering of the toggle.

Provision is made for releasably latching the operating mechanism in neutral position. For this purpose a detent member |86 is pivotally mounted at one end |88 thereof on casing wall 90 externally thereof adjacent to the hub portion |08 of control member |06. Said detent member |86 is provided with a detent element |90 which releasably engages, hub portion |08 of control member |06 in a recess |92. It will be understood that when detent element |90 is in recess |92, control member |06 is'locked Yin its neutral position against movement in either direction whereby to prevent closing of the switch. Detent member |86 is releasably held in locking position by a spring |94 which is positioned on the inside-of casing |2 adjacent wall 00 thereof (Fig. '7). One end of said spring is secured to a lug |96 onthe inner surface of said casing wall 90 and the other end` of said spring is fixed to a. pin |98 which projects through an arcuate slot 200 in casing wall 90 and is secured to ailaterally projecting portion 202 of detent member |86. Said detent member is also provided with a finger piece 204 for convenience in operating the same to release the control member |06. Provision is made for locking detent |86 in latching position, andfor this purpose said detent is provided with an apertured ear 206 which is in alignment with an apertured lug 208 fixed to the front of casing wall (Fig. 2). Any suitable lock may be utilized for securing apertured ear 206 to said lug |08 to prevent unauthorized release of detent member |86 from control member |06. The releasable latching device also comprises an operating member 2|0 (Figs. 2 and '7) which is positioned adjacent casing Wall 90 on the inner side thereof and has an end portion 2|2 which projects outwardly of the casing through a slot 2M provided in the inturned edge 2|6 of said casing wall and through a slot inv the cover I4 of the casing. The lower end of `operating member 2 I0 has a lateral extension 2|8 provided with a slot 220 in which pin |98 of detent member |86 is engaged. It will be understood that detent |86 can be moved to its retracted position out of engagement with control member |06 by moving the operating member |20 inwardly of the casing toward casing wall 22. 'I'hus as illustrated in Fig. 7 operating member 2|0 is in its projected position in which it is releasably held by spring |94 which is connected to pin |98, detent member |86 being in latching engagement with control member |06, while in Figs. 7 and 9`operating member 2|0 is shown in its retracted position to which it was moved for releasing said detent member from control member |06. It will be understood that in order to actuate control member |06 for closing-the switch, it is necessary to release detent member |66from the control mem ber |06. Also, it will be understood that when the control member |06 is operated for disengaging the movable contact member 42 from either of its companion stationary contact members 20 or 28, the detent member automatically engages the control member |06 as soon as the movable contact member reaches its neutral position, thus preventing a continuous movement of the switch operating member |06 so that unless the detent member is released from the operating member, the movable contact member can not be moved from one contact 26 to the other contact 26 that is from one side of the double-throw switch to the other side thereof. This is desirable especially when the doublethrow switch is used as a motor-reversing switch. It will be understood, however, that while the control member latching device is desirable, it maybe omitted. From the preceding description, it is apparent that the control member latching device is independent of and operates independently of the position of the casing cover I4, and it will be observed that said latching device is effective in the normal condition of the switch, i. e'., when the casing cover is closed, to prevent a continuous movement of operating handle |06 and thereby to prevent an unintended movement of the movable contacts from one set of stationary contacts, through the neutral position, to

the other set of stationarycontacts, and it will,

be noted also that; said latching device is oper;- ative in the normal condition of the switch,` when casing cover I4 is closed, to releasably prevent movement of the movable contact members from their neutral position.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the latter may be embodied otherwise than as herein shown or described and that in the illustrated embodiment certain changes in the details of construction and in the arrangement of parts may be made. Also it will be understood that the operating mechanism may be used for operating a switch of a different construction than that herein illustrated. Accordingly, I do not wish to be limited to the invention as herein specifically illustrated or described except to the extent which may be required by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An operating mechanism for a double-throw switch having a neutral position, said mechanism comprising an operating member mounted for movement in opposite directions and connected to the movable contact member of the switch, an actuating member movable .in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with said operating member and engageabie with opposite sides of the latter for moving the same in said opposite directions, respectively, means for moving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member-connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite directionl comprising a second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to Said second toggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, and means for controlling the operation of said toggies comprising a member mounted for movement in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with each of said toggle members whereby the operation of each of said toggles is initiated by said control member and is completed' independently of said control member with a snap action upon overcentering of the toggle by said control member.

2. A switch opera-ting mechanism for a doublethrow switch comprising a movable contact member having a neutral position between the closed positions thereof, said mechanism comprising a crank member mounted for oscillation and operatively connected to said movable contact member for moving the same to and from each of said positions thereof, said crank member having aligned pivot portions and crank arms adjacent said pivot portions, respectively, an actuating member mounted for pivotal movement in opposite directions co-axially of said pivot vportions and having circumferentially spaced parts engageable, with a lost motion connection, with one of said crank arms at opposite sides thereof, respectively, for turning said crank member in opposite directions, means for moving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising a second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said second toggle member and `forming a second toggle therewith, each of said toggle members being pivotally movable co-axially of said actuating member and having a lug spaced radially of the pivotal axis, and a control member mounted for oscillation co-axially'of said pivot portions, said control member having two circumferentially spaced arcuate slots in which said lugs are, respectively, received, said slots having a greater circumferential extent than the companion lug therein, providing a lost motion connection of said control member with each of said toggle members .whereby the operation of each of said toggles is initiated by said control member and is completed independently of said controly member with a snap action upon overcentering of the toggle by said control member. Y

3; A switch operating mechanism for a doublethrow switch having stationary contact members and a movable contact member engageable with and disengageable from said contact member, respectively, and movable to a neutral position, said mechanism comprising a crank member mounted for oscillation and operatively connected to said movable contact member for moving the same, said oscillatory crank member having aligned pivot portions, a crank portion between said pivot portions and crank arms connecting ther opposite slots having a. greater circumferential extent than the companion lug therein, an actuating member mounted for oscillation co-axially of said pivot portions and operatively connected to each of said two members for pivotal movement in one direction by one of said two members and for pivotal movement in an opposite direction by theother of said two members, and overcentering springi projected rods connected to said two members, respectively, for'moving the latter with a snap action independently of the control member after a predetermined movement of the latter.

4.v A double-throw switch comprising a casing, stationary and movable contact members mounted in said casing, a crank member operatively i connected to said movable contact member for actuating the same, said crank member having aligned pivot portions, means providing bearings for said vpivot portions, respectively, one of said means comprising a mounting member having a part positioned within said casing and provided with a cylindrical recess in which one of .said pivot portions is journalled for oscillation, a cylindrical stem iniixed relation to and projecting from said part co-axially with said recess, said casing having a wall provided with an opening through which said stem'projects from within said casing, means mounted for oscillation on a part of said stem and relatively thereto within said casing adjacent said wall and operatively connected to said crank member for actuating the latter, anda control member mounted for pivotal movement on a part of said stem relatively thereto externally of said casing and operatively connected to said actuating means for operating the latter. f

5.. A double-throw switch comprising a casing, stationary and'movable contact members mounted in said casing, a crank member operatively connected to said movable contact member for actuating the same, said crank member having aligned pivot portions, means providing bearings for said pivot portions, respectively, an actuating member mounted for oscillation on a part of said stem and engageable with said crank member for oscillating the same in two directions, a pair oftoggle members mounted for oscillation on a part of said stemv within said casing and operatively connected to said actuating member for turning the same in opposite directions, respectively, said casing wall having an arcuate slot concentric withsaid opening, each of said toggle members having a lug projecting through said arcuate slot to the outside of said casing wall, and a control member mounted on a part of said stem externally vof said casing for oscillation co-axially with toggle members and provided with a pair of circumferentially spaced slots in which said lugs, respectively, engage said control member for operatively connecting the latter to said toggle members.

. 6. A double-throw switch comprising a casing, stationary and movable contact members mounted in said casing, a crank member operatively connected to said movable contact member for actuating the same, said crank member having aligned pivot portions, means providing bearings forlsaid pivot portions, respectively, one of said means comprising a mounting member having a part positioned within said casing and prol vided with a cylindrical recess in which one of said pivot portions is journalled for oscillation, a cylindrical stem projecting from said part coaxially with said recess, said casing having a wall provided with an 4opening through which said stem projects from Within said casing, means mounted for oscillation on a part of said stem within said casing adjacent said wall and operatively conneoted to said crank member for actuating the latter, and a control member mounted on a part of said stem externally of said casing and operatively connected to actuating means for -operating lthe latter, an actuating member mounted within said casing for pivotal movement in two directions co-axially of said pivot portions and having alost motion connection with said crank member for turning the same in either of two directions, a pair of toggle' members mounted within said casing for turning movement coaxially with said pivot portions and operatively connectedy to said actuating member for turning the latter in opposite directions, respectively,

l said casing having a wall provided within an arcuate slot concentricwith the pivotal axis of said pivotportions, each of said toggle members having a lug projecting through said arcuate slot and lmovable circumferentially thereof, a control member mounted for oscillation co-axially ofsaid pivot` portions, said control member having two circumferentially spaced arcuate slots in which said lugs are, respectively, received, said slots having a greater circumferential extent than the companion lug therein, providing a lost motion connection of said control member with each of said toggle members.

7. A double-throw switch comprising a casing, stationary and movable contact members mounted in said casing, a. crank member operatively connected to said movable contactmember for actuating the same, said crank member having aligned pivot portions, means providing bearings for said pivot' portions, respectively, on'e of said means comprising a mounting member having a part positioned within said casing and provided with a cylindrical recess iri-whlchone oi said pivot portionsl is journalled for oscillation, a cylindrical sternv projecting from said partecaxially with said recess, said casing having a wall provided with an opening. through which said stem projects from within said casing, means mounted for oscillation on a part of said stem within said casing adjacent' said wall and operatively connected to said crank member for actuating the lattenand a control member mounted on a part of said stem externally of said casing and operatively connected to actuating means for operating the latter, an actuating member mounted within said casing for pivotal movement in two directions co-axially of said pivot portions and having a lost motion connection with said crank member for turning the same in either of two directions, means formoving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projectedrod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising a second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said second toggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, said casing having a wall provided within an arcuate slot concentric with the pivotal axis of said pivot portions, each of saidtoggle members having a lug projecting through said arcuate slot `and movable circumierentially thereof, a control member mounted for oscillation co-axially of said pivot portions, said control member having two circumferentially spaced arcuate slots in which said lugs are, respectively, received, said slots having a greater circumferential extent than the `companion lug therein, providing a lost motion connection of said control member with each of said toggle members.

8. A switch comprising a casing, stationary and movable contact members mounted in said casing, a crank member operatively connected to said movable contact member `for actuating the same, said crankl member having aligned pivot portions, means -providing bearings for said pivot portions, respectively, one of said means comprising a mounting member having a part positioned within said casing andprovided with a cylindrical recess in which one of said pivot portions isjournalled for oscillation, a cylindrical stem projecting fromsaid part co-axially with said recess, said part having a shoulderforming portion extending radially outwardly of said stem, said casing having a, wall provided with an opening through which said stem projects from within said casing, a plurality of members for actuating said crank member pivotally mounted on said stem between said shoulderforming portion andthe inner-surface of said wall, and means holding said stem and said members mounted thereon against movement in a, direction axially of said casing opening through which said stem proJeots. l i

9. An operating mechanism for a double-throw switch having a neutral position, saidmechanism comprising an operating member mounted for movement in opposite directions and connected to the movable contact member of the switch, an actuating member movable in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with said operating member and engageable with opposite sides of the latter for moving. the same in said opposite directions, respectively, means formoving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising a, second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said second toggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, said toggle members being mounted for co-axial pivotal movement independently of each other, and a control member mounted for pivotal movement co-axially with said toggle members, each of said toggle members having a lug spaced radially from the pivotal axis of said members, said control member having a pair of arcuate slots concentric with said pivotal axis, said lugs projecting into said slots. respectively, and engageable by said control member for turning said toggle members in opposite directions, respectively.

l0. An operating mechanism for a double-throw switch having a neutral position, said mechanism comprising an operating member mounted for movement in opposite directions and connected to the movable Contact member of the switch, an actuating member movable in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with said operating member and engageable with opposite sides of the latter for moving the same in said opposite directions, respectively, means for moving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod 'connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising `a second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said second toggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, said toggle members being mounted for co-axia1 pivotal movement independently of each other, and a control member mounted for pivotal movement co-axially with said toggle members, each of said toggle members having a lug spaced radially from the pivotal axis of said members, said control member having a pair of arcuate slots concentric with said pivotal axis, said lugs projecting into said slots, respectively, and engageable by said control member for turning said toggle members in opposite directions, respectively, each of said slots having a greater circumferential extent than the lug therein whereby operation of each of said toggles is initiated by said control member and is completed independently of said control member with a snap action upon overcentering of the toggle by said control member.

l1. In a double-throw switch comprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable contact member mounted for pivotal movement from a neutral position to positions in engagement with said stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, a crank member for operating said movable contact member having aligned pivot portions, by which said crank member is mounted forturning movement, and an offset crank portion between said pivot portionsl said crank portion extending parallel to the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, a connection between said movable contact member and said crank portion comprising means rigidly secured to said movable contact member and aecured to said crank portion in relative rotary reaxially of said pivot portions and operatively connected to said crank member for turning the latter, and movable means releasably engageable with a part of said last means in the normal condition of the switch for releasably preventing movement of said movable contact member from moving from said neutral position.

12. In a double-throw switch comprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable oontactmember mounted for pivotal movement from a neutral position to positions in engagement with said stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, a crank member for operating said movable contact member having aligned pivot portions, by which said crank member is mounted for turning movement, and an offset crank portion between said pivot portions, said crank portion extending parallel to the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, said movable contact member comprising two contact portions in angular relation, one of said contact portions being engageable with one of said stationary contact members and the other of said contact portions being engageable with the other of said stationary contact members, a, connection between said movable contact member and said crank member comprising means secured to said contact portions and engaging said crank portion in relative rotary relation thereto, means mounted vfor movement co-axially of said pivot portions and operatively connected to said crank member for turning the latter, and movable means releasably engageable with a part of said last means in the normal condition of the switch for releasably preventing movement of sa-id movable contact member from moving from saidneutra position.V f 1 n 13. In a double-throw switch comprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable contact member mounted for pivotal movement from aneutral position to positions in engagemen with said `stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, a crank member for operating said movable contact member having aligned pivot portionaby which said crank member is mounted for turning movement, and an offset crank portion between said pivot portions, said crank portion extending parallel to the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, said movable Contact member comprising two contact portions -in angular relation, one of said contact portions being engageable with one of said stationary contact members and the other of said contact portions being engageable with the other of said stationary contact members, a connection between said movable contact member and said crank member, means mounted for pivotal movement co-axially of said pivot portions and operatively connected to said crank member for turning the latter, and movable means releasably en'- gageable with a part of said last mentioned means in the normal condition of the switch for preventing a continuous movement of said movable contact member from either of said stationary contact members to the other stationary contact member.

14. In a double-throw switch comprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable contact member mounted for pivotal movement yfrom a neutral position to positions in engagement with said stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, means for actuating-said movable contact member to engage and disengage either of said stationary contact 'members, a casing for said switch having a cover movable to open and `closed positions, and means movably mounted on said casing and releasably engageable with a part of said last mentioned means for releasably preventing a continuous movement of said movable contact member from either of said stationary contact members to the other stationary contact member when said casing cover is in said closed position thereof.

15. In a double-throw switchcomprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable contact member mounted for pivotal movement from a neutral position to positions in engagement with said stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, means for actuating said movable contact member to engage and disengage either of said stationary contact members, a `casing for said switch having a cover movable to open and closed positions, and means movably mounted on said casing and releasably engageable with a part of said actuating means when said cover is in said closed position thereof for releasably preventing operation of said actuating means when said movable contact member is in said neutral position thereof.

16. A double-throw switch comprising a casing, stationary and movable contact members mounted in said casing, a crank member operatively connected to said movable contact member for actuating the same,. said crank member having aligned pivot portions, means providing bearings for said pivot portions, respectively, one of said means comprising a mounting member having a part positioned within said casing and provided with a cylindrical recess in which one of said pivot portions is journalled for oscillation, a cylindrical stem projecting from said part co-axially with said recess, said casing having a Wall provided with an opening through which said stem projects from within said casing, means mounted for oscillation on a part of said stem within said casing adjacent said wall and operatively connected to said crank member for actuating the latter, a control member mounted on a part of said stem externally of said casing and operatively connected to actuating means for operating the latter, an'd means movably mounted on said casing and releasably engageable with said control member in the normal condition of the switch for holding the latter releasably in neutral position, said control member having a recess, said last mentioned means comprising a member pivotally mounted on said casing and having a projection movable into said recess, and spring means biasing said member to a position in which said proj ection is engaged in said recess.

17. An operating mechanism for a double-throw switch having a neutral position, said mechanism comprising an operating member mounted for movement in opposite directions and connected to the movable contact member of the switch, an actuating member movable in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with said operating member and engageable with opposite sides of the latter for moving the same in said oppositedirections, respectively, means for moving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising a second toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said second toggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, said actuating member having a lost motion connection with each of said toggle members, and means for controlling the operation of said toggles comprising a member mounted for movement in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with each of said toggle members whereby the operation of each of said toggles is initiated by said control member and is completed independently of said control member with a snap action upon overcentering of the toggle by said control member.

18. A switch operating mechanism for a doublethrow switch having stationary contact members and a movable contact member engageable with and disengageable from said contact member, respectively, and movable to a neutral position, said mechanism comprising a crank member mounted for oscillation and operatively connected to said movable contact member for moving the same, said oscillatory crank member having aligned piv.- ot portions, a crank portion between said pivot portions and crank arms connecting the opposite ends of said crank portion to said pivot portions, respectively, two members mounted for oscillation co-axially of said pivot portions, each of said last mentioned members having a lug and a radial ear spaced circumferentially of each other, a control member mounted for oscillation co-axially of said pivot portions, said control member having two circumferentially spaced arcuate slots in which said lugs are, respectively, received, said slots having a greater circumferential extent than the companion lug therein, an acutating member mounted for oscillation co-axially of said pivot portions and operatively connected to each of said two members for pivotal movement in one direction by one of said two members and for pivotal movement in an opposite direction by the other of said two members, said two members each having an arcuately extending recess therein and said actuating member having an axially extending lug projecting into said recesses, the circumferential extent of said last mentioned lug being less than the circumferential extent of each of said recesses whereby to provide a lost motion connection between said actuating member and each of said two members, and overcentering spring-projected rods connected to said two members, respectively, for moving the latter with a snap action independently of the control member after a predetermined movement of the latter.

19, An operating mechanism for a doublethrow switch having a neutral position, said mechanism comprising an operating member mounted for movement in opposite directions and connected to the movable Contact member of the switch, an actuating member movable in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with said operating member and engageable with opposite sides of the latter for moving the same in said opposite directions, respectively, means for moving said actuating member in one of said directions comprising a toggle member connected to said actuating member and a spring projected rod connected to said toggle member and forming a toggle therewith, means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction comprising a second toggle member connected to said actuating member .and a spring projected rod connected to said second ltoggle member and forming a second toggle therewith, and means for controlling the operation of said toggles comprising a member mounted for movement in opposite directions and having a lost motion connection with each of said toggle members whereby the operation of each oi' said toggles is initiated by said control member and is completed independently of said control member with a snap action upon overcentering oi the toggle by said control member, a casing for said switch, and means operative in the normal condition of the switch for releasably holding said control member in a neutral position and for releasably preventing movement of said control member through said neutral position thereof from a different position thereof, said last mentioned means comprising means movably mounted on said casing and releasably interlocked with said control member.

20. In a double-throw switch comprising a pair of stationary contact members and a movable contact member mounted for pivotal movement from a neutral position to positions in engagement with said stationary contact members, respectively, at opposite sides of the pivotal axis of said movable contact member, means for actuating said movable contact member to engage and disengage either of said stationary contact members, a casing for said switch having a cover movable to open and closed positions, and means movably mounted on said casing and releasably engage-` able with a part of said actuating means, when said cover is in said closed position thereof, for releasably preventing operation of said actuating means when said movable contact member is in said neutral position thereof, and means accessible externally of the switch casing for positively disengaging said movable means from said part of the actuating means.

THOMAS M. CGLE. 

